The National Party leader has defended a plum new appointment for his predecessor John Barilaro.

Mr Barilaro has been appointed as the $500,000-a-year-senior trade and investment commissioner to the Americas.

Labor and crossbenchers will establish an upper house into the former deputy premier’s appointment.

Paul Toole told Ben Fordham “there was a very strong recruitment process”.

“He came out as the top candidate, the best candidate.”

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